BLP's unfailingly upbeat head of corporate on hiring Neville, selling Tottenham Hotspur and 'circling back'

Why did you become a lawyer? It sounded better than becoming an accountant and, unfortunately, playing for Manchester United seemed a long shot.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? Challenging clients and smart associates constantly keep me on my toes.  Other than that, my grandfather has been the biggest influence – a first-generation immigrant who encouraged me to join a City law firm.

What's your proudest professional moment? It's a tough call between recruiting Neville Eisenberg (now managing partner) or working on three public deals that were announced at the end of last week, despite the market conditions. I just hope I keep this average up for the rest of the year.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? On the positive front, I'd say my energy and enthusiasm… on the downside, I apparently walk too fast for colleagues.

What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out? Take pride in developing and applying first-class legal skills and make sure you get as broad a range of experience as possible in the early years, both in terms of the type of assignment and the people supervising you.

What's the best part of your job? Without a doubt, working with great people both in the firm and with clients.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? The tendency to be self-critical and to give up territory to other professional services firms.

What's your strongest card – technical wizardry or smooth client skills (you can only pick one)? I would hope neither. Too much imbalance is not sustainable, as clients expect partners to have a blend of skills.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? Becoming aware of an inconvenient truth that required the disclosure of shortcomings in the conduct of a respected fellow professional.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? A particularly obscure industry awards night which made the Eurovision Song Contest look like a serious talent show!

Most memorable deal you ever have worked on, and why? Selling Tottenham Hotspur to Alan Sugar and Terry Venables right under the nose of Robert Maxwell. It was straightforward from a technical standpoint but the personalities involved made it very memorable.

What will be the most significant market trend for UK top 10 law firms during the next 12 months? The political theme for 2009 is 'change', and the top 10 law firms are not immune. As a result, the next 12 months are unpredictable but, regardless of the problems, I am an optimist.

What is the daftest bit of corporate jargon you've heard (and did you smirk)? Any talk about 'reaching out', 'touching base' and 'circling back' – all of which sound potentially hazardous.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? If anyone would have me! Perhaps I could fill Ronaldo's boots?

What's your favourite item of clothing? I am quite fond of some of my garish cycle jerseys.

What's your favourite cheese? Stinking bishop (which is not an expletive from Herge's Adventures of Tintin).